Family Fun this October Half Term!

Thu 27 Sep 2018

We've got plenty of ideas to keep everyone entertained around Derby this October half term, despite the weather getting colder! From local parks events to the best things to watch, the city is buzzing with activity. The half term will run from Saturday 27 October to Sunday 4 November.

Thrill seekers can head to Queen’s Leisure Centre for the brand new Atlantis Splash Run. Taking on the challenge of this amazing new inflatable, adventurers can climb and scramble over giant obstacles before hitting the thrilling slides. Running every Saturday, the fun is for everyone 5+ years. The family pool programme activities will continue through the half term. During the week Adult and Child sessions provide the opportunity for adults with children under 5 years to enjoy toys and floats, which helps build their confidence in water. The popular Family Splash sessions will run on Saturday and Sunday, providing the perfect time to enjoy a laidback swim with the family, as there will be floats and toys. See the full pool programme here.

Get in to the groove with Disco Fever at Springwood Leisure Centre. Dress up in the spookiest outfits, dance to the latest music and feel the beat. Taking place on Monday 29 October at 3pm, Disco Fever is £3 per child and suitable for under 12s. On Thursday 1 November families can have great fun at Bouncy Castle and Soft Play, suitable for crawling children up to those aged 6, parents participate with their little ones for £3 per child. Mini ninjas will love Springwood’s Ninja Warrior Style Circuit Session. Children will have the chance to complete the fun and challenging obstacle course, trying time trials on their own and as part of a team. The sessions will take place on Friday 2 November 1.30pm – 2.30pm and 3pm – 4pm costing just £5 for children age 5 – 12 years to become mini ninjas. Carry on the team fun with Dodgeball from 2.30pm. Clubs are a great way to get active and meet new people. Introduce little ones to gymnastics by exploring soft play and gymnastics equipment with Springtots, running on Tuesday and Wednesday. For times and details on booking these events see the holiday programme here.

Those looking to get their kids active will love Derby County multi-sport activity camp at Derby Arena. Derby County Community Trust (DCCT) are offering the opportunity to attend multi-sport activity camps which promise to be fun, educational and all within a safe environment. For ages reception to year six, children will have the fantastic opportunity to grow and try new sports such as football, cricket and rounders on the Arena’s indoor courts; fun, educational and accessible for all. Running from Tuesday 30 October to Thursday 1 November, £13.50 per day with discounts available if booking multiple days and on the day prices available.

Families can give track cycling a go at Derby Arena with the family track cycling sessions. No experience is needed to give the sport a go – qualified coaches will provide advice and equipment for everybody to enjoy some time on the track! Sessions will be taking place on Monday 29 October and Friday 2 November and children must be 9 years or older to participate. Derby Arena is also offering half-price rackets sports during the holidays - book a table for tennis, badminton or pickleball from Monday to Friday. Times and prices for these activities are available to view here. Alternatively, young people aged 12 to 15 years can use the Derby Arena gym facilities for just £1.20, for more information visit our Movement page.

Families looking for a roaring good time can head down to the Designasaur Workshops, which will be held at Markeaton Park Craft Village Community Room from Monday 29 October to Saturday 3 November. These fun workshops are for anyone who loves everything dinosaur. Become a dinosaur spotter, a dino sound maker and a dino egg specialist hunting for the enormous ‘Can’t-get-through-the-door-asaurus’ and the teeny tiny ‘Furry-fun-o-tops!’ A make, play and take, puppet making, story creating workshop with Babbling Vagabonds, families will make puppets to take away and stories to share in this 1 hour fun workshop. Find out more here.

Despite the weather getting colder there is still lots to do in Derby Parks this half term. Wrap up warm and head to the popular Mundy Play Centre on Markeaton Park. The Mundy Play Centre's free play facilities are open 365 days a year. The family-friendly play area is dog-free, has level pathways and provides plenty of free facilities, along with a number of pay and play activities. The play area is staffed by Park Rangers every weekend and all school holidays, providing a safe and secure play area. Pack a picnic and enjoy one of Derby’s award winning green spaces.

Cycle Derby are also running Learn to Ride sessions on Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 October, 9.30am – 4.30pm. For children who are getting onto two wheels for the first time or those who have tried to ride and not quite got there! Priced at £15, this is a 50 minute lesson for ages 5 and over. Help your little ones get moving in the picturesque surroundings of Markeaton Park. To book call 01332 641747 or email cyclederby@derby.gov.uk.

For information on the full schedule of holiday activities and how to book visit our Holidays page.